Public Spaces

MABA says cost-benefit analysis not only consideration in advertising wraps

The Madison Area Bus Advocates, a non-profit group comprised of citizens who describe themselves as “pro-bus,” said when it comes to advertising policies, Metro Transit sometimes forgoes consideration of citizens' "[o]bjections, including ones having to do with respect, safety, accessibility, dignity, and justice, [are] dismissed hastily in pursuit of the almighty dollar."

The president and a board member of the advocacy organization -- Susan De Vos and Laurie Wermter -- write that the Metro's ad policy "needs to be redone."

Regional spokesman Bob Manwell in Fitchburg said in a news release Wednesday that completion of the deer count operation is dependent on the presence of several inches of snow, which helps deer stand out on the landscape from the air.

Areas in western Dane and eastern Iowa counties and in the Baraboo area by Devil’s Lake State Park are scheduled for survey flights, officials said.

Six Oakhill Correctional Institution employees’ jobs were affected this fall after an investigation concluded that those affected had bullied co-workers for months, according to a Wisconsin State Journal newspaper article.

The report said Sgts. Justyn Witscheber and Matthew Seiler and officer Rachel Koester were fired for verbal harassment in October, as was their shift supervisor Capt. Michael Buettner for failing to report the behavior. Sgt. Sherri Mudd retired early. Another employee, Ryan Blount, was demoted.

An investigation into the behavior of other employees at the institution was initiated after former Oakhill guard Phil Otto took his own life in March. Otto had worked for the Department of Corrections for more than 20 years and had recently been transferred to work a position at Oakhill.

In the story, the employees identified in the investigation denied wrongdoing.

A library organization is hosting its annual fall book sale. Book-buyers have more than 15,000 titles to choose from at the Memorial Library in Room 116 through Saturday. Sale organizers said the used book sale is one of the largest in Wisconsin

The Friends of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries sale takes place over four days with its proceeds benefitting a variety of events, special collections and a lecture series.

The annual book-buy event began Wednesday but continues Friday from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. From 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, shoppers who bring a grocery-sized bag can fill it for $4. From 1:05 p.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, all remaining books are free, the library said.

Book prices are also reduced each day of the sale, but organizers said the books sell quickly.

Middleton residents needing some caffeine can take part in the ninth annual Largest Coffee Break Friday.

The Sept. 14 event takes place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Greenway Station.

Live music by Ken Wheaton and Steve Peterson, complimentary Starbucks coffee, bakery treats and raffles will be available at the Largest Coffee Break, said a press release. Prizes include a $100 Ashley Furniture gift card, free hotel night stay, other store gift cards and merchandise. Attendees can also network with local professionals and residents.

Local talent will attend the event, including Middleton Mayor Kurt Sonnentag and the Executive Director of the Middleton Chamber of Commerce, Van Nutt. Local media personalities will also attend the event.